Contract Specialist, GS-1102-12 (44759)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers, Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity (HECSA) in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Contract Specialist to manage the full lifecycle of procurements from planning to closeout, ensuring compliance with DoD contracting regulations and DHA guidelines.

The position emphasizes acquisition planning, cost/price analysis, negotiations, and collaboration with technical teams to meet customer requirements and support contracting office operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in 1102 contracting series demonstrating Contract Specialist duties
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with public and private stakeholders on terms, conditions and price
• Strong technical ability to perform complex procurement administration and cost/price analysis

Responsibilities

• Monitors contractor performance and ensures compliance with contract terms; advises on corrective actions and handles contract modifications.
• Conducts cost analysis, prepares documentation for proposals, negotiations, and debriefings, and resolves inquiries and claims.
• Directly supports pre-award activities including strategy development, solicitation preparation, and source selection planning.

Job description

USACE Organization

Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity (HECSA)

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity (HECSA)

Locations (City, State)

Alexandria, VA

Position Overview/Duties

This position emphasizes acquisition planning, execution, contract administration, and collaborative teamwork to effectively support customer requirements and the contracting office.

Pre-Award

• Develops procurement strategies, coordinates with technical teams, and optimizes solicitation timing and methods. Engages vendors, resolves specification issues, and prepares sole-source justifications and solicitation documents with special provisions and evaluation criteria.
• Facilitates pre-proposal conferences, supports bidders, and analyzes proposals for compliance. Conducts cost/price analysis, evaluates technical submissions, reviews subcontracting plans, and recommends contract awards based on vendor capacity and performance history.
• Leads negotiations, assesses costs, finalizes profit objectives, and prepares negotiation documentation. Coordinates contract approvals and conducts debriefings for unsuccessful offerors.

Post-Award

• Monitors contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract terms. Advises on corrective actions for non-compliance and leads negotiations for contract modifications. Conducts cost analysis, finalizes profit objectives, and prepares necessary documentation for modifications.
• Handles contract-related inquiries, assesses damages for non-performance, and issues notices for corrective actions. Manages contract closeouts, terminations, and settlement proposals. Ensures timely receipt of deliverables and resolves claims under the contract.
• Competencies needed for the position:
• Ability to manage all phases of the acquisition process executing on-time and on-budget.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for engaging with a wide range of public and private stakeholders on terms, conditions and price.
• Strong technical skills to perform complex administration required by procurement regulations and proven record of price or cost analysis.
• Collaborative professional dedicated to supporting customers, the organization, and contracting staff

Other Conditions and Requirements

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. Veterans' preference does not apply to this announcement.

WHO MAY APPLY

US Citizens.

Minimum Education Requirement

Contracting series, 1102: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/contracting-series-1102/

Minimum Experience Requirement

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in 1102 series that demonstrates Contract Specialist duties. Specialized experience must include most of the following:

• Ability to manage all phases of the acquisition process executing on-time and on-budget.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for engaging with a wide range of public and private stakeholders on terms, conditions and price.
• Strong technical skills to perform complex administration required by procurement regulations and proven record of price and cost analysis.

Other Requirements, Conditions Of Employment And Information

• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
• The incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Financial Disclosure Report upon entering on duty in this position and annually thereafter.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position may be eligible for situational telework.
• This position requires the following training/certifications prior to employment or within a specified period of time after appointment.
• This position requires DAWIA Contracting Professional acquisition certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.